Golf Training Aid and Method

ABSTRACT

A golf training aid and method that aids the golfer in visualization and provides instant feedback on whether they have achieved proper impact when striking golf balls from a natural grass hitting surface. A golf training aid and method that additionally provides golfers with a template that when balls are struck from a natural grass hitting surface within reasonable accuracy will allow the golfer to achieve proper linear divot row spacing. A golf training aid and method furthermore that has painted or printed lines applied on an artificial golf hitting surface to aid the golfer in visualization of proper golf ball impact, simulating proper golf ball impact on natural grass hitting surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a difficult game with many intricacies and variables. One constant in the game, however, is the benefit a golfer achieves with proper impact between the golf club's head and the golf ball. When a golf ball is to be struck off a natural grass hitting surface, the proper impact is achieved when the golf club's head strikes the ball first then the natural grass hitting surface after the ball creating a divot in front of the ball, with the divot's shape pointing towards the aim line. This maximizes the golfer's potential when striking golf balls off natural grass hitting surfaces. The result of this leads to good golf shots with proper golf ball distance, trajectory, and control.

When the golfer fails to achieve the proper impact condition, the result of the golf shot is less than desirable. Loss of distance control, loss of proper trajectory, and loss of directional control of the golf ball are common for those golfers who do not consistently achieve the proper impact condition. If a golfer strikes the natural grass hitting surface before striking the golf ball, this shot is considered a “fat shot” which leads to loss of distance, loss of proper trajectory, and loss of directional control of the golf ball. If a golfer strikes the ball first but fails to contact the natural grass hitting surface after the ball to make a divot, the shot is considered a “thin shot” which leads to loss of distance control, loss of proper trajectory, and loss of directional control.

Additionally, a golfer may strike the golf ball first then the natural grass hitting surface creating a divot, but if the divot is not pointing towards the aim line, then loss of directional control will occur. For example, for a right-handed golfer, if the divot points to the right of the aim line this is evidence that the golfer's club head path is in-to-out. This will produce a shot that is pushed out to the right if the golf club's face is open, or if the face is closed will produce a hook shot that will start out to the right and end extreme left of the target. If the right-handed golfer's divot points to the left of the aim line, this is evidence that the golfer's club head path is out-to-in. This will produce a shot that is pulled to the left if the golf club's face is closed, or if the face is open will produce a slice shot that starts out left and ends extreme right of the target.

Most golf courses offer natural grass hitting areas on what is called a driving range. Golfers use natural grass driving ranges to replicate what they will experience when they play on the golf course. This is the most accurate way to practice proper golf ball impact as we have discussed which means every shot hit off the natural grass hitting area should create a divot after golf ball impact. With many golfers practicing in these natural grass hitting areas every day, many divots are taken daily. Golf courses are tasked heavily to ensure the natural grass grows back as quickly as possible to keep the driving range usable from day to day. Every golfer who uses a natural grass driving range wants to be able to go to the range and have some natural grass to hit from to practice properly. However, most golfers are uneducated on what they can do to help minimize the amount of natural grass their divots remove while still maintaining the same number of practice shots during their practice session.

According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) there are three common types of golf driving range divot patterns. The scattered pattern, concentrated pattern, and the linear pattern. The linear divot pattern involves placing each shot directly behind the previous divot. In so doing, a linear or inline pattern is created, and only a small amount of natural grass is removed with each swing. This can usually be done for 15 to 20 shots before moving sideways to create a new line of divots. So long as a minimum of 4 inches of natural grass is preserved between strips of divots, the natural grass will recover quickly. Because this divot pattern removes the least amount of natural grass and promotes quick recovery, it is the preferred method. A scattered divot pattern removes the most amount of natural grass because a full divot is removed with every swing. Scattering divots results in the most natural grass loss and uses up the largest amount of space on the driving range. A concentrated divot pattern removes natural grass in one large area during the golfer's practice session. While this approach does not necessarily result in a full-sized divot removed with every swing, by creating a large void in the natural grass canopy there is little opportunity for timely natural grass recovery. Use of scattered or concentrated divot patterns forces the golf facility to rotate tee stalls more frequently and often results in an inefficient use of the natural grass teeing areas.

Every golfer would benefit from being able to have instant feedback when practicing striking golf balls off natural grass hitting areas. They need to know if they are performing the proper golf ball impact conditions we have discussed. The golf swing happens so fast, that the golfer is often unable to see during the shot if they were lined up properly, hit the ball fat, thin, had and in-to-out, or out-to-in swing path. The golfer may produce a divot while practicing, but unless they have a reference of where the ball was in relationship to the divot, they cannot have proper feedback in knowing if they hit the ball first before making the divot.

Every golfer would benefit from having a visual representation on the natural grass or artificial grass hitting surfaces illustrating the proper golf ball impact condition we have discussed. This would help them not only receive feedback after the shot, but during the shot give their mind a visual reference on what actions the body needs to do to properly execute the golf shot.

Golfers need to be educated on the importance of practicing using linear divot patterns on natural grass driving ranges to better the driving range experience for golfers and grounds keepers. Golfers need to know that they are leaving at least 4 inches of natural grass between the linear divot lines and not spacing them unnecessarily too far apart and without the need to physically measure the distance each time. This will allow the driving range divots to grow back much faster and take up less driving range space per golfer which will better the driving range experience for golfers and grounds keepers. It would benefit the game of golf to have golfers on the natural grass driving range use a device that templates for them the proper linear divot spacing.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a golf training aid and method that provides golfers with instant feedback on whether they have achieved proper golf ball impact or not when striking golf balls from natural grass hitting surfaces.

The present disclosure provides a golf training aid and method that provides golfers with proper visualization illustrated by visible lines on a natural or artificial grass hitting surface for proper golf ball impact.

The present disclosure provides a golf training aid and method that provides golfers with a template that when golf balls are struck with reasonable accuracy will allow at least 4 inches of unaffected natural grass to remain between linear divot lines.

The present disclosure allows golfers to practice and learn proper swing mechanics through visualization and instant feedback. Through this visualization and feedback, the golfer will learn how to repeatedly achieve proper swing mechanics by training their mind to see what needs to happen when a golf ball is to be struck from natural grass hitting surfaces. Through this visualization and feedback, the golfer will achieve a sense of where the bottom of their swing arc is and where it needs to be when striking golf balls from natural grass hitting surfaces.

The present disclosure allows the golfer to achieve the needed visualization and feedback to properly strike golf balls off a natural or artificial grass hitting surfaces consistently which will lead to lower scores and more enjoyment playing the game of golf. Most golfers feel the sense to help the ball up into the air when striking golf balls off a natural or artificial hitting surface and often the bottom of their swing arc is located behind the golf ball giving evidence of this. With the inherent urge golfers general feel to help the ball up in the air, this often causes them to increase the loft of the club at impact when proper golf ball impact needs to decrease the loft of the club at impact. When this occurs either the shot will be “fat” or “thin” resulting in golf shots that are undesirable and inconsistent. When the bottom of a golfer's swing arc is in front of the ball and its path going toward the aim line, then the golfer will achieve a proper golf ball impact condition. These golf shots will have good distance, good trajectory, and good control which will help the golfer be able to consistently predict an outcome and play better golf.

One version of the present disclosure is currently embodied and sold commercially as The Divot Feedback Template Model A. It is a flat, square object that is cutout to be used as a template to spray marking powder onto natural grass hitting areas. There are a total of 4 cutouts on this version described. The first cutout is located at the top and is to be used as a carrying handle. The second cutout is located below the handle, and this is the first of two divot reference lines which are to be aimed at the golfer's aim line. The third cutout is located below the handle and is the second of the two divot reference lines which are to be aimed at the golfer's aim line. The spacing between the two divot reference lines will allow at least 4 inches of natural grass to remain with reasonable golf ball striking accuracy. The fourth cutout is located at the bottom and is perpendicular to the two divot reference lines. This cutout is referred as the miss line. The space between the bottom end of the two divot reference lines and the miss line is to be at least wide enough for the diameter of a golf ball to rest on.

Another version of the present disclosure is an artificial grass golf hitting surface that has painted or printed markings portraying the use of the concept that the previous listed version illustrates. Due to an artificial grass surface being used, this version contains the ability to possess more rows of divot reference lines which would allow the golfer to line up and hit multiple golf balls across the width of the artificial golf hitting surface. Although, the artificial grass surface will not allow a divot to be made after the ball is impacted, the painted or printed miss line and painted or printed divot reference lines will aid the golfer in visualizing proper golf ball impact.

The present disclosure will be described in a more detailed fashion using the accompanying drawings, references, and the detailed description. It is not the intent of the accompanying drawings, references, and detailed description to limit the applicability of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited in the number of possible variations or constructing materials. The present disclosure listed in detail is only one of many possible examples of the possible variations of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/PHOTOS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective of a version of the present disclosure illustrating the appearance of the handle, divot reference lines, and the miss line on a flat cutout used as a template for spray chalk lines to be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a version of the present disclosure showing a golfer's hand holding a can of spray marking chalk and spraying it over the template to create lines on the natural grass golf hitting surface.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a version of the present disclosure showing the chalked lines it creates on the natural grass golf hitting surface with two golf balls shown in preparation for the golfer to strike them.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a version of the present disclosure showing instant feedback from a proper impact condition on the left and an improper golf ball impact position on the right showing evidence of a “fat shot”.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a version of the present disclosure showing instant feedback for a golf shot's divot pointed to the left and pointed to the right of the golfer's aim line.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a version of the present disclosure showing the natural grass golf hitting surface after the golfer with reasonable striking accuracy will create two linear divot rows with at least 4 inches of natural grass remaining between the rows.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a version of the present disclosure showing the use of an artificial grass hitting surface with painted or printed lines illustrating the present disclosure used as visualization with a miss line and multiple divot reference lines.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   100—Golf Training Aid (Divot Feedback Template Model A) -   101—Handle Cutout -   102—Left Divot Reference Line Cutout -   103—Right Divot Reference Line Cutout -   104—Miss Line Cutout -   200—Golfer's Hand -   201—Spray Marking Chalk -   300—Golf Balls on Natural Grass Hitting Surface -   301—Chalked Miss Line -   302—Chalked Left Divot Reference Line -   303—Chalked Right Divot Reference Line -   304—Natural Grass Hitting Surface -   400—Correct Golf Ball Impact Feedback -   401—Incorrect Golf Ball Impact Feedback (Fat Shot) -   500—Incorrect Golf Ball Impact Feedback (Divot points to the Left) -   501—Incorrect Golf Ball Impact Feedback (Divot points to the Right) -   600—Proper Linear Divot Spacing -   700—Artificial Grass Hitting Surface -   701—Painted or Printed Miss Line -   702—Painted or Printed Divot Reference Lines -   703—Artificial Grass Hitting Surface Handle -   704—Golf Balls on Artificial Grass Hitting Surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a golf training aid and method that provides golfers with visualization and instant feedback on whether they have achieved proper golf ball impact or not. Additionally, the present disclosure assists golfers in using proper linear divot pattern methods on natural grass golf driving ranges. Furthermore, the present disclosure is a golf training aid and method that aids the golfer in visualization when used on an artificial grass hitting surface.

FIG. 1 shows one possible version of the present disclosure embodied and sold commercially as The Divot Feedback Template Model A golf training aid 100. This is a flat, square shaped object made of 0.22″ thick white HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic measuring 15 13/16″×15 13/16″ square. The golf training aid 100 consists of four cutout sections of the template. The handle cutout 101 begins 1⅜″ from the top of the golf training aid 100, is centered across the width of the golf training aid 100, and measures 1¼″ tall×6″ long. The left divot reference line cutout 102 begins 3 3/16″ pulled from the left side of the golf training aid 100, down 3¼ from the top of the golf training aid 100, and measures ¾″ wide×6¾″ long. The right divot reference line cutout 103 begins 3 3/16″ pulled from the right side of the golf training aid 100, down 3¼″ from the top of the golf training aid 100, and measures ¾″ wide×6¾″ long. The miss line cutout 104 begins 12 11/16″ from the top of the golf training aid 100, is centered across the width of the golf training aid 100, and measures ¾″ tall×12 13/16″ long. Note that many different types of materials can be used for the present disclosure, and it is not the intent by listing the type of material used for the golf training aid 100 to limit the possibility of the use of different materials, thicknesses, and/or dimensions.

FIG. 2 shows a method associated with the golf training aid 100 that includes the following: (1) the golfer laying the golf training aid 100 on the ground and positioning it inline with their target aim line. (2) The golfer's hand 200 uses spray marking chalk 201 in the form of athlete's foot spray or other type of spray chalk to spray over the golf training aid 100 which will serve as a template to create lines on the natural grass hitting surface 304. (3) The golfer removes the golf training aid 100 and lays it aside for use later.

FIG. 3 shows the spray chalk lines the golf training aid 100 creates on the natural grass hitting surface 304. Additionally, FIG. 3 shows the proper placement of golf balls on natural grass hitting surface 300 in relationship to the visible spray chalk lines. (4) The golfer places two golf balls on natural grass hitting surface 300 just in front of the chalked miss line 301 with one golf ball lined to the center of the chalked left divot reference line 302 and one golf ball lined to the center of the chalked right divot reference line 303. Both golf balls on natural grass hitting surface 300 are to rest just short of the beginning of the chalked left divot reference line 302 and the chalked right divot reference line 303. The golf balls on natural grass hitting surface 300 are to not touch the chalked miss line 301. (5) The golfer then takes a golf club of their choosing, addresses the closest golf ball they come to with their golf club—left one for right-handed golfers and right one for left-handed golfers. (6) The golfer visualizes the golf shot shape to their target they see in their mind, then visualizes missing the chalked miss line 301, then striking the golf balls on natural grass hitting surface 300 and removing the chalked left divot reference line 302 or the chalked right divot reference line 303 with their golf club's head. (7) The golfer makes their swing. (8) After the golf ball has landed, the golfer then can see if they have executed proper golf ball impact through instant feedback provided by the lines the golf training aid 100 created and adjust for the next ball as needed. (9) The golfer now addresses the other golf ball on the natural grass hitting area 300 with the same club making any swing adjustments per the feedback given from the previous swing if needed. (10) The golfer visualizes the golf shot shape to their target they see in their mind, then visualizes missing the chalked miss line 301, then striking the golf ball on the natural grass hitting surface 300 and removing the chalked left divot reference line 302 or the chalked right divot reference line 303 with their golf club's head. (11) The golfer makes their swing. (12) After the ball has landed, the golfer then can see if they have executed proper golf ball impact through feedback provided by the lines the golf training aid 100 created and adjust for the next set of balls as needed.

If a golfer achieves missing the chalked miss line 301 and removing either the chalked left divot reference line 302 or the chalked right divot reference line 303 with their golf swing and have the divot pointing perpendicular to the chalked miss line 301, the result will be a properly executed golf shot from a golf ball hit from the natural grass hitting surface 304.

FIG. 4 shows correct golf ball impact feedback 400. Correct golf ball impact means there is evidence that the golf ball was struck after the chalked miss line 301, a portion of the chalked left divot reference line 301 was removed, and the divot is perpendicular to the chalked miss line 301. The result is a good golf shot with proper distance, proper trajectory, and proper control.

If a golfer hits the natural grass hitting surface 304 before the chalked miss line 301 and removes a portion of either the chalked left divot reference line 302 or the chalked right divot reference line 303, the result will be a poorly executed golf shot from a golf ball hit from the natural grass hitting surface 304.

FIG. 4 shows an incorrect golf ball impact feedback 401. The result was a “fat” golf shot that lacked proper distance, proper trajectory, and proper control.

If a golfer achieves missing the chalked miss line 301 and removing either the chalked left divot reference line 302 or the chalked right divot reference line 303 but the divot points to the left and not perpendicular to the chalked miss line 301, the result will be a poorly executed golf shot from a golf ball hit from the natural grass hitting surface 304.

FIG. 5 shows feedback from golf balls struck in these manners. The results were poor golf shots with loss of control. These shots are executed by a right-handed golfer in these examples.

If a golfer achieves missing the chalked miss line 301 and removing either the chalked left divot reference line 302 or the chalked right divot reference line 303 but the divot points to the left and not perpendicular to the chalked miss line 301, the result is an incorrect golf ball impact feedback 500 which leads to a shot that starts out left of the aim line. As discussed in the incorrect golf ball impact feedback 500, incorrect golf ball impact feedback 501 illustrates a divot that points to the right of the target, and this leads to a shot that starts to the right of the aim line. The results are poor golf shots with loss of control.

Once a golfer has struck both golf balls 300 on a natural grass hitting surface 304 the natural grass that remains between the 2 divot rows will be a minimum of 4″ wide if the golf balls are struck with reasonable striking accuracy which is the recommended minimum distance provided by the USGA.

FIG. 6 illustrates the results of a golfer's practice session using the golf training aid 100 with reasonable striking accuracy. The golf training aid 100 was used three times during this practice session illustrated by the three chalk miss lines 301 present.

Once a golfer has begun to create two proper linear divot spacing lines 600, they can simply bring their next set of two practice golf balls up to the point where the unaffected natural grass hitting surface 304 is, and the divot rows begin and use this as a guide for proper linear divot spacing 600 to continue. Simply rest a golf ball on the unaffected natural grass right behind the divot of each row and continue hitting golf balls while working your way backwards with each shot. After a few shots, then take the golf training aid 100 and place down inline with the divot rows being created. Place the golf training aid 100 in a way which the beginning of the left divot reference line cutout 102 and the right divot reference line cutout 103 arc at the point where the unaffected natural grass is and the exposed proper linear divot spacing 600 lines begin. Stand back and align the golf training aid 100 with your intended aim line and use spray marking chalk 201 to start a new set of lines as done prior. When this is done, the divot reference lines will be visible in the bare soil from the previous shots. This will aid the golfer in visualization and alignment as they continue maintaining proper linear divot spacing 600. Golfers continue striking golf balls as described and repeat this process as needed to help build consistency in their golf swing while maintaining proper linear divot spacing 600 during their practice session.

FIG. 7 is a possible version of the present disclosure that shows the use of multiple golf balls on an artificial grass golf hitting surface 704. With the use of an artificial grass hitting surface 700, there is no need for proper linear divot spacing 600 because no natural grass is removed during use. In FIG. 7 the present disclosure is illustrated comprising of an artificial grass hitting surface carrying handle 703, a painted or printed miss line 701, and painted or printed divot reference lines 702 used for visualization. By using the artificial grass hitting surface 700, this will allow multiple painted or printed divot reference lines 702 to be applied and allow more golf balls on artificial grass 704 to be hit in sequential order. By using the artificial grass hitting surface 700, the golfer can still maintain the same principles of visualization provided by golf training aid 100 by using the same method of the present disclosure but without taking physical divots on a natural grass hitting surface 304. This is just one possible example of the present disclosure and method used on an artificial grass golf hitting surface 700 and is not intended to limit the number of possibilities of the present disclosure.

The use of the present disclosure will allow golfers to visualize what the proper golf ball impact condition is. The use of the present disclosure and method will allow golfers to have instant feedback on their golf ball impact position. Using the feedback the present disclosure provides, golfers will know what golf swing mechanics to work on. With repeated use of this present disclosure, the golfer will gain visualization and acquire proper muscle memory skills to improve their golf game by more consistently hitting good golf shots. More good golf shots will lead to more consistent golf, leading to more confidence, lower golf scores, and more enjoyment playing the game of golf. Additionally, the use of the present disclosure will allow golfers to use a proper linear divot pattern on the natural grass golf practice range allowing more enjoyment for golfers and golf course caretakers. Furthermore, the use of the present disclosure on an artificial grass hitting surface will aid the golfer in alignment and simulate what the proper impact condition is on a natural grass hitting surface which will prepare them to play on the golf course.

PRIOR ARTS Patent Citations (8) Patent Number, Title, Date, Assignee Title

-   D366,302 Golf swing alignment mat—Jan. 16, 1996—Marsh, et al. -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,210 Golf aiming and alignment training mat—Nov.     23, 2004—Kallage, Jr. -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,140 Golf training aid—May 8, 2007—Coombs -   D632,750 Golf training aid—Feb. 15, 2011—Callowhill, et al. -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,228 B2 Golf swing training mat—Apr. 19,     2011—Rhodes -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,994 Golf training aid—Aug. 16, 2011—Hensel -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,089,757 Golf swing ball impact teaching tool—Jul.     28, 2015—O'Donovan -   U.S. Pat. No. 10,695,641 Golf training aid to help golfers achieve     the correct angle-of-attack —Jun. 30, 2020—Procopis

Additional References (3)

-   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W2YSYMF?ref=myi_title_dp -   https://www.girgolfllc.com/you-tube-videos -   https://www.usga.org/course-care/2014/09/does-your-divot-pattern-help-or-hurt-the-golf-course-21474873114.html 

The present disclosure claimed is:
 1. A golf training aid and method used for practicing golf swings on a natural grass hitting surface comprising of a flat, square, or rectangular shaped object that is laid upon a natural grass hitting surface to be used as a template for marking spray chalk lines on the ground illustrating a template in the form of spray chalk lines for proper golf ball impact when golf balls are to be struck off a natural grass hitting surface.
 2. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein the golf training aid is laid upon a natural grass hitting surface and used to assist the golfer in alignment to their intended aim line as they practice hitting golf balls off a natural grass hitting surface.
 3. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein applying spray marking chalk over the surface of the golf training aid is used as a method to improve a golfer's ability to properly strike golf balls from a natural grass hitting surface.
 4. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein the spray chalk lines illustrated using the golf training aid and method, aid the golfer in visualizing what proper golf ball impact is when golf balls are struck off a natural grass hitting surface.
 5. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein the instant feedback provided by using the golf training aid and method after golf balls are struck off a natural grass hitting surface, aid the golfer in knowing whether their golf ball impact condition was correct or not.
 6. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein the flat, square, or rectangular shaped object comprises of a cutout in the shape of a straight line that is perpendicular to the golfer's aim line and when spray chalk lines are applied on a natural grass hitting surface, aid the golfer in visualization and feedback on proper golf ball impact.
 7. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein the flat, square, or rectangular shaped object comprises of a cutout in the shape of a straight line that is parallel to the golfer's aim line and when spray chalk lines are applied on a natural grass hitting surface aid the golfer in visualization and feedback on proper golf ball impact.
 8. A golf training aid and method according to claim 1, wherein the golf training aid and method comprises of multiple number of straight lines that are parallel to the golfer's aim line, wherein the spacing of these lines will allow the golfer with reasonable striking accuracy achieve proper linear divot spacing when striking golf balls from a natural grass hitting surface.
 9. A golf training aid and method comprising of an artificial grass hitting surface consisting of painted or printed lines applied to aid the golfer in visualization of what proper golf ball impact is, compromising of one or more straight lines that are perpendicular to the golfer's aim line and one or more straight lines that are parallel to the golfer's aim line.
 10. A golf training aid and method according to claim 9 comprising of an artificial grass hitting surface consisting of one or more painted or printed straight lines that are perpendicular to the golfer's aim line to aid the golfer in visualization of a line to miss prior to striking the golf balls from an artificial grass hitting surface, simulating proper golf ball impact when striking golf balls off a natural grass hitting surface.
 11. A golf training aid and method according to claim 9 comprising of an artificial grass hitting surface consisting of one or more painted or printed straight lines that are parallel to the golfer's aim line to aid the golfer in visualization of a line to strike with their club while striking golf balls from an artificial grass hitting surface, simulating proper golf ball impact when striking golf balls off a natural grass hitting surface.
 12. A golf training aid and method according to claim 9 wherein the golf training aid and its painted or printed lines serve as an alignment aid for the golfer to align to their aim line. 